The U.S. military has introduced annual testosterone deficiency screenings for service members aged 30 and above as part of its routine health evaluations. Announcing the initiative, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the program is intended to ensure troops maintain healthy testosterone levels so they can perform at their best. According to the Pentagon, service members found to have low testosterone will be offered voluntary hormone replacement therapy, with officials emphasizing that the initiative is focused on restoring natural hormone levels rather than providing artificial performance enhancement.

U.S. Military introduces testosterone testing for troops over 30 | Pentagon's new health policy

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday (May 11) sought to characterise America’s declining birth rate as an "existential crisis." He also claimed that since 2007, women are in a "fertility crisis" and that teenage boys today have a worse sperm count than nearly 70-year-old men in the 1970s. Speaking at a White House event on maternal healthcare Monday (May 11), Kennedy argued that the United States is facing a deepening fertility emergency that stretches far beyond family planning and into the future of the country itself. “This is a threat not only to our economy, but to our national security,” Kennedy said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-two-timed-trump-report-reveals-islamabad-quietly-sheltered-iranian-military-aircraft-while-brokering-peace-talks-1778551810479">Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war</a><h2>Teenagers have a lower sperm count than 68-year-olds</h2>Then, RFK Jr pitched a statistic that immediately grabbed attention. “In 1970, men had twice the sperm count as our teenagers do today,” he claimed, framing the decline as evidence of a broader reproductive collapse affecting both men and women.What Kennedy says is driving itKennedy pointed to a mix of environmental and health-related factors, including obesity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and what he described as a growing “toxic soup” affecting reproductive health.According to him, the fertility crisis among women began around 2007, while men are now confronting their own version through falling sperm density, testosterone concerns, and broader hormonal disruption.His department, he said, is actively examining how environmental exposure may be reshaping fertility outcomes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-absolute-moron-white-house-goes-nuclear-as-photos-of-trump-dozing-off-during-oval-office-event-goes-viral-1778557899199">'You absolute moron': White House goes nuclear as photos of Trump dozing off during Oval Office event goes viral</a><h2>The science is more complicated</h2>Kennedy’s warning is rooted partly in a widely discussed 2022 global review published in Human Reproduction Update, which found substantial declines in sperm counts over decades. However, there is an important caveat: the study did not specifically compare modern American teenagers to men in 1970 in the exact way Kennedy described.That distinction matters. Notably, some reproductive health experts say sperm decline is a serious hypothesis worth studying, but caution that long-term trend analysis remains difficult, partly because methodologies, populations and measurement standards vary widely across decades.

RFK Jr. is warning America faces an “existential” fertility crisis, claiming today’s teen boys may have dramatically lower sperm counts than older men decades ago. But how much of this is alarm, and how much is actual science? Scroll down.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday (May 11) sought to characterise America’s declining birth rate as an "existential crisis." He also claimed that since 2007, women are in a "fertility crisis" and that teenage boys today have a worse sperm count than nearly 70-year-old men in the 1970s. Speaking at a White House event on maternal healthcare Monday (May 11), Kennedy argued that the United States is facing a deepening fertility emergency that stretches far beyond family planning and into the future of the country itself. “This is a threat not only to our economy, but to our national security,” Kennedy said. Also read | Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war Teenagers have a lower sperm count than 68-year-olds Then, RFK Jr pitched a statistic that immediately grabbed attention. “In 1970, men had twice the sperm count as our teenagers do today,” he claimed, framing the decline as evidence of a broader reproductive collapse affecting both men and women. What Kennedy says is driving it Kennedy pointed to a mix of environmental and health-related factors, including obesity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and what he described as a growing “toxic soup” affecting reproductive health. According to him, the fertility crisis among women began around 2007, while men are now confronting their own version through falling sperm density, testosterone concerns, and broader hormonal disruption. His department, he said, is actively examining how environmental exposure may be reshaping fertility outcomes. Also read | 'You absolute moron': White House goes nuclear as photos of Trump dozing off during Oval Office event goes viral The science is more complicated Kennedy’s warning is rooted partly in a widely discussed 2022 global review published in Human Reproduction Update, which found substantial declines in sperm counts over decades. However, there is an important caveat: the study did not specifically compare modern American teenagers to men in 1970 in the exact way Kennedy described. That distinction matters. Notably, some reproductive health experts say sperm decline is a serious hypothesis worth studying, but caution that long-term trend analysis remains difficult, partly because methodologies, populations and measurement standards vary widely across decades.

RFK Jr. is warning America faces an “existential” fertility crisis, claiming today’s teen boys may have dramatically lower sperm counts than older men decades ago. But how much of this is alarm, and how much is actual science? Scroll down.

RFK Jr claims modern US teens have half the sperm count of 68-year-olds in 1970 | Fact-check

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday (Feb 12) made a bizarre confession related to his history of substance abuse during a recent episode of the podcast ‘This Past Weekend’. Detailing going to recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy said that he was “not scared” of germs because he used to “snort cocaine off toilet seat.”“They shut [the rehabilitation meetings] down during Covid,” Kennedy told podcaster Theo Von. “We still did live meetings every day during Covid, but it was kind of a pirate group... I said, ‘I don’t care what happens. I’m going to a meeting every day.’”He added, “I said, ‘I’m not scared of a germ.’ You know, I used to snort cocaine off a toilet seat, and I know this disease [addiction] will kill me, right? If I don’t treat it, which means, for me, going to meetings every day. It’s just bad for my life. So for me, it was survival.”Kennedy has a family history of substance abuse and has been public about his addiction to heroin. Last year in April, he recalled how his addiction started at the age of 15 after trying LSD.Kennedy’s recent remarks come a month after he announced $100 million of funding for new grants as part of a pilot program targeting homelessness and substance use recovery in eight American cities following US President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order titled ‘The Great American Recovery Initiative’.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HHS Secretary RFK Jr: “I&#39;m not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats.” <a href="https://t.co/aqKZTEujXk">pic.twitter.com/aqKZTEujXk</a>&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/2022034923876757940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Social media reacts</h2>Kennedy’s candidness about his past use of drugs did not sit well with social media users.“For some reason I don’t trust this guy on public health,” wrote Malcolm Kenyatta, a Democratic Rep. from Pennsylvania. Another user said, “How does anyone take this administration seriously?”“Crazy that America has its health policy set by a guy who snorted cocaine off of toilet seats,” one person said.“He needs to be arrested for admitting to being a criminal. If one admits to murder, they should be prosecuted. Same should go for cocaine too,” another user said in comments.&nbsp;

US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed on a podcast that he once “snorted cocaine off a toilet seat,” saying he wasn’t afraid of Covid germs. His remarks sparked backlash online, with critics questioning his role in public health leadership.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday (Feb 12) made a bizarre confession related to his history of substance abuse during a recent episode of the podcast ‘This Past Weekend’. Detailing going to recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy said that he was “not scared” of germs because he used to “snort cocaine off toilet seat.” “They shut [the rehabilitation meetings] down during Covid,” Kennedy told podcaster Theo Von. “We still did live meetings every day during Covid, but it was kind of a pirate group... I said, ‘I don’t care what happens. I’m going to a meeting every day.’” He added, “I said, ‘I’m not scared of a germ.’ You know, I used to snort cocaine off a toilet seat, and I know this disease [addiction] will kill me, right? If I don’t treat it, which means, for me, going to meetings every day. It’s just bad for my life. So for me, it was survival.” Kennedy has a family history of substance abuse and has been public about his addiction to heroin. Last year in April, he recalled how his addiction started at the age of 15 after trying LSD. Kennedy’s recent remarks come a month after he announced $100 million of funding for new grants as part of a pilot program targeting homelessness and substance use recovery in eight American cities following US President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order titled ‘The Great American Recovery Initiative’.

US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed on a podcast that he once “snorted cocaine off a toilet seat,” saying he wasn’t afraid of COVID germs. His remarks sparked backlash online, with critics questioning his role in public health leadership.

‘Used to snort cocaine off toilet seat’: RFK Jr’s bizarre confession on drug abuse | WATCH

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr on Monday (Feb 9) offered a candid explanation for why he enjoys working under President Donald Trump, saying the president gives him the freedom to do things others would not allow. Kennedy's admission has sparked alarm among critics online, with some describing it as "scary". &nbsp;<h2>"A joy to work for him"</h2>Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington while marking one year of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, Kennedy described Trump as uniquely supportive of his approach to public health policy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-bizarre-link-with-paedophile-revealed-in-latest-epstein-file-dump-dinosaur-hunt-emails-1770444507541">Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump</a>Kennedy praised Trump as the "most business-friendly president" since George W. Bush and said the president is willing to challenge powerful interests. Trump "will not tolerate overreach and doesn’t care about vested interests, doesn’t care about offending powerful people," said the US health secretary.He added that "So it is a joy to work for him because he lets me do stuff that I don’t think anybody else would".Watch what he said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">HHS Secretary RFK Jr: Trump lets me do stuff that I don&#39;t think anyone else would let me do <a href="https://t.co/6eteCtGSgN">pic.twitter.com/6eteCtGSgN</a>&mdash; Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/HQNewsNow/status/2020916894404911324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The remarks drew immediate reaction online and from critics, who raised concern about the direction of US health policy under Kennedy’s leadership.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That&#39;s what we&#39;re scared of.&mdash; James White (@JamesWhiteNI) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesWhiteNI/status/2020968242760851868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We know. That’s the problem.&mdash; RJ (@RJSprouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/RJSprouse/status/2020918657618940185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-operation-dildo-blitz-goes-viral-anti-ice-protest-takes-shocking-turn-as-sex-toys-rain-down-on-federal-agents-in-minneapolis-in-pics-1770704251399">‘Operation Dildo Blitz’ goes viral: Anti-ICE protest takes shocking turn as sex toys rain down on federal agents | In Pics</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have unfortunately noticed that. Thanks. 🙄&mdash; Bill DeMayo (@BDeMayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BDeMayo/status/2020917007139364946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">And that&#39;s not a good thing.&mdash; --Fatwolf-- BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE 💙 (@Fat_Wolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fat_Wolf/status/2020942459556200779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Red flags should be flying here&mdash; Sara Wheeler (@swheeler69) <a href="https://twitter.com/swheeler69/status/2021121677107535906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Scepticism toward experts and vaccines</h2>During his speech, Kennedy also questioned the role of experts in public decision-making, arguing that "trusting experts" was not central to democracy or science. Instead, he said, it was “a feature of religion and totalitarianism.”Kennedy, long known for his scepticism toward vaccines, has continued pushing controversial changes since taking charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. Those moves include withdrawing federal recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children, and reshaping advisory bodies at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.He also intensified criticism of ultra-processed foods, calling the issue "spiritual warfare" and warning that "we're going to lose our country” if the issue wasn't addressed. "It’s a war at scale against cellular activity. It's an assault on our children," he claimed.&nbsp;

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has revealed the ‘concerning’ reason he enjoys working under President Donald Trump. Here's what he said.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr on Monday (Feb 9) offered a candid explanation for why he enjoys working under President Donald Trump, saying the president gives him the freedom to do things others would not allow. Kennedy's admission has sparked alarm among critics online, with some describing it as "scary". "A joy to work for him" Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington while marking one year of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, Kennedy described Trump as uniquely supportive of his approach to public health policy. Also read | Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump Kennedy praised Trump as the "most business-friendly president" since George W. Bush and said the president is willing to challenge powerful interests. Trump "will not tolerate overreach and doesn’t care about vested interests, doesn’t care about offending powerful people," said the US health secretary. He added that "So it is a joy to work for him because he lets me do stuff that I don’t think anybody else would". Watch what he said here:

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has revealed the ‘concerning’ reason he enjoys working under President Donald Trump. Here's what he said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr reveals why working for Trump is 'a joy,' claims 'he lets me do stuff' | Watch

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the latest MAGA Republicanto be thrust into the spotlight over Jeffrey Epstein links, and his linkages are bizarre to say the least. Emails released as part of the Department of Justice's latest Epstein Files dump reveal that the anti-vaccination health secretary once went hunting for dinosaur bones with the paedophile and his longtime co-conspirator, convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell. The peculiar bit of information has come to light as part of an email exchange between the two sex predators and shines a light on the deep "friendships" they shared with powerful people.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/epstein-files-trump-andrew-clinton-and-more-the-11-prominent-names-listed-in-fbi-presentation-for-alleged-abuse-of-minors-1770354719231">Epstein Files: Trump, Andrew, Clinton and more - The 11 'prominent names' listed in FBI presentation for alleged abuse of minors</a><h2>Dinosaur hunting with Bobby Kennedy</h2>An email exchange between Epstein and Maxwell shows that Trump's health secretary once took a bizarre trip with the sex offenders. The email exchange dates back to 2012, seven years before the death of Epstein in a Manhattan jail while waiting trial for his sordid crimes.In one email, Epstein tells Maxwell about a "dinosaur and fossill hunitng with jack horner on the ranch," where they “found 90 million-year-old clams and fossils.”"Right up your alley," he adds. To this, Maxwell replies, "Love that," and reminds the paedophile, "didn't we go fossil hunting with him and Bobby Kennedy in N Dakota?", and Epstein replies in the affirmative.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260207/image-1770447719672.png"></figure><h2>Not new info</h2>As bizarre as it is, this is not new info. Last year, Maxwell, who is now serving 20 years in jail for her crimes, had disclosed the dinosaur bones hunting trip during an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Bobby Kennedy knew him," she said, seemingly catching Blanche off guard.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a>"Sorry? Say that again about Bobby Kennedy?" he asked, prompting the disgraced socialite to reveal that Robert Kennedy, aka Bobby, knew Epstein. When asked, "How do you know that?" she had revealed, "Because we went on a trip together...We went... dinosaur bone hunting in the Dakotas."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RFK Jr. with Epstein <a href="https://t.co/KkT6zlrq6N">pic.twitter.com/KkT6zlrq6N</a>&mdash; Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mollyploofkins/status/1947121563708391643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Dinosaur hunting or looting?</h2>According to The Daily Beast, the so-called Dinosaur bone hunting trip actually took place on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where collecting fossils on reservation land without explicit tribal permission is considered looting. Bobby Kennedy has previously acknowledged travelling on Epstein's plane.&nbsp;

Emails in the latest Epstein files reveal a surreal link. Trump’s Health Secretary, RFK Jr allegedly went dinosaur fossil hunting with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. It raises fresh questions about how deep Epstein’s elite friendships really ran.

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the latest MAGA Republicanto be thrust into the spotlight over Jeffrey Epstein links, and his linkages are bizarre to say the least. Emails released as part of the Department of Justice's latest Epstein Files dump reveal that the anti-vaccination health secretary once went hunting for dinosaur bones with the paedophile and his longtime co-conspirator, convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell. The peculiar bit of information has come to light as part of an email exchange between the two sex predators and shines a light on the deep "friendships" they shared with powerful people. Also read | Epstein Files: Trump, Andrew, Clinton and more - The 11 'prominent names' listed in FBI presentation for alleged abuse of minors Dinosaur hunting with Bobby Kennedy An email exchange between Epstein and Maxwell shows that Trump's health secretary once took a bizarre trip with the sex offenders. The email exchange dates back to 2012, seven years before the death of Epstein in a Manhattan jail while waiting trial for his sordid crimes. In one email, Epstein tells Maxwell about a "dinosaur and fossill hunitng with jack horner on the ranch," where they “found 90 million-year-old clams and fossils.” "Right up your alley," he adds. To this, Maxwell replies, "Love that," and reminds the paedophile, "didn't we go fossil hunting with him and Bobby Kennedy in N Dakota?", and Epstein replies in the affirmative. Not new info As bizarre as it is, this is not new info. Last year, Maxwell, who is now serving 20 years in jail for her crimes, had disclosed the dinosaur bones hunting trip during an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Bobby Kennedy knew him," she said, seemingly catching Blanche off guard. Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations "Sorry? Say that again about Bobby Kennedy?" he asked, prompting the disgraced socialite to reveal that Robert Kennedy, aka Bobby, knew Epstein. When asked, "How do you know that?" she had revealed, "Because we went on a trip together...We went... dinosaur bone hunting in the Dakotas."

Emails in the latest Epstein files reveal a surreal link. Trump’s Health Secretary, RFK Jr allegedly went dinosaur fossil hunting with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. It raises fresh questions about how deep Epstein’s elite friendships really ran.

Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr delivered a stinging assessment of the country’s health during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday (September 4), declaring America to be ‘the sickest country in the world’. Kennedy used the moment to defend his sweeping overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has faced turmoil following the dismissal of Director Susan Monarez and the disbanding of key advisory boards. He argued that the agency’s failures, particularly exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, justified decisive intervention.&nbsp;“Chronic disease has bankrupted us,” Kennedy was quoted saying to lawmakers. “We are confronting a national health emergency, and the CDC must be rebuilt to serve the people, not special interests.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-xi-jinping-holds-bilateral-meeting-with-north-korea-s-kim-after-show-of-unity-during-military-parade-1756980205562">'Even if international situation changes...': China's Xi Jinping reaffirms support to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, holds bilateral meeting</a>&nbsp;The committee session quickly turned contentious. Democratic senators questioned whether Kennedy’s drastic steps risk destabilising one of the country's most vital health agencies. Even some Republicans expressed concern about the scale of firings and resignations at the CDC in recent weeks. More than 1,000 current and former Health and Human Services staff have signed letters urging Kennedy to step down, warning that his approach politicises science and undermines public trust.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-guarantees-for-ukraine-ready-willing-to-work-with-us-for-more-sanctions-on-russia-macron-1756997214108">Security guarantees for Ukraine ready, willing to work with US for more sanctions on Russia: Macron</a>&nbsp;Kennedy’s remarks tie into a recurring theme of his leadership: the claim that, despite spending more on healthcare than any other country, the United States lags on basic health outcomes. Independent analysts, however, warned that his characterisation oversimplifies complex global data and risks eroding confidence in US public health institutions.Still, his framing of chronic disease as an existential threat has resonated with parts of the public, particularly amid rising costs of healthcare and growing distrust of government institutions.

US is 'the sickest country in the world', says Robert F Kennedy Jr before Senate committee amid CDC upheaval 

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr delivered a stinging assessment of the country’s health during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Thursday (September 4), declaring America to be ‘the sickest country in the world’. Kennedy used the moment to defend his sweeping overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has faced turmoil following the dismissal of Director Susan Monarez and the disbanding of key advisory boards. He argued that the agency’s failures, particularly exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, justified decisive intervention. “Chronic disease has bankrupted us,” Kennedy was quoted saying to lawmakers. “We are confronting a national health emergency, and the CDC must be rebuilt to serve the people, not special interests.” Also Read: 'Even if international situation changes...': China's Xi Jinping reaffirms support to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, holds bilateral meeting The committee session quickly turned contentious. Democratic senators questioned whether Kennedy’s drastic steps risk destabilising one of the country's most vital health agencies. Even some Republicans expressed concern about the scale of firings and resignations at the CDC in recent weeks. More than 1,000 current and former Health and Human Services staff have signed letters urging Kennedy to step down, warning that his approach politicises science and undermines public trust. Also Read: Security guarantees for Ukraine ready, willing to work with US for more sanctions on Russia: Macron Kennedy’s remarks tie into a recurring theme of his leadership: the claim that, despite spending more on healthcare than any other country, the United States lags on basic health outcomes. Independent analysts, however, warned that his characterisation oversimplifies complex global data and risks eroding confidence in US public health institutions. Still, his framing of chronic disease as an existential threat has resonated with parts of the public, particularly amid rising costs of healthcare and growing distrust of government institutions.

Robert F Kennedy Jr calls US the sickest nation, defends CDC overhaul amid backlash, sparking fierce Senate debate on health and public trust

US is 'the sickest country in the world', says Robert F Kennedy Jr before Senate committee amid CDC upheaval

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) faced a wave of resignations on Wednesday night after a dramatic clash between Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency’s new leadership. Outgoing senior figures accused Kennedy of turning public health into politics, warning his approach “will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.”<h2>Vaccine controversy sparks turmoil</h2>The crisis came just after a Daily Beast report claimed the administration is preparing to pull the COVID vaccine from shelves within months. British cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, a close ally of Kennedy and adviser to lobby group Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action, said that several “influential” members of Donald Trump’s family share Kennedy’s belief that vaccines are more dangerous than the virus.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-anti-india-rants-to-jail-time-7-times-peter-navarro-proved-his-ex-aide-right-who-called-him-an-unreliable-a-hole-trump-india-tariffs-trade-war-1756369925640">7 times Peter Navarro proved his ex-aide, who called him an a**hole, right</a><h2>Susan Monarez caught in power struggle</h2>The situation escalated when Susan Monarez, who had been sworn in as acting CDC director only a month earlier, was abruptly removed by the White House. Monarez, however, rejected the decision. Through her lawyers, she insisted she had not resigned and argued that only the president could dismiss her. “As a presidential appointee, Senate-confirmed officer, only the president himself can fire her,” her legal team said. They accused Kennedy of “weaponising public health for political gain” and “putting millions of American lives at risk.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-indians-are-so-arrogant-trump-aide-peter-navarro-blames-pm-modi-for-russia-ukraine-war-loses-clam-over-new-delhi-s-oil-purchase-from-russia-1756350881354">'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war</a><h2>Wave of resignations follows</h2>Within hours of Monarez’s ousting, at least four senior CDC leaders also resigned. They included Dr Debra Houry, Dr Demetre Daskalakis, Dr Daniel Jernigan, and Dr Jen Layden. In his resignation letter, Daskalakis accused Kennedy of pushing “unscientific” policies. They warned, “Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.” He added that the CDC was being used as “a tool” to promote policies that “do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-support-tariffs-on-india-australia-trade-minister-don-farrell-trump-trade-war-trump-tariff-on-india-kicks-in-1756369415764">'We don't support tariffs on India': Australia Trade Minister Don Farrell</a>Houry said misinformation and the overstating of vaccine risks had already cost lives, citing the highest number of US measles cases in 30 years and even a violent attack on CDC headquarters earlier this month.Watch: SCO Explained: Origin, founding members, expansion &amp; global influencehttps://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-explained-origin-founding-members-expansion-global-influence-1756377853304/embedDaskalakis linked the shooting to years of vaccine scepticism, blaming Kennedy and his allies for fuelling hostility. He said he was resigning to honour his grandfather, who had fought fascism in Greece, and to protest against “the cowardice of a leader that cannot admit that HIS and his minions’ words… created an environment where violence like this can occur.”

Several senior CDC officials resigned after clashing with Health Secretary RFK Jr, warning his politicised public health stance and potential COVID vaccine withdrawal could endanger vulnerable lives and fuel anti-vaccine sentiment.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) faced a wave of resignations on Wednesday night after a dramatic clash between Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency’s new leadership. Outgoing senior figures accused Kennedy of turning public health into politics, warning his approach “will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.” Vaccine controversy sparks turmoil The crisis came just after a Daily Beast report claimed the administration is preparing to pull the COVID vaccine from shelves within months. British cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, a close ally of Kennedy and adviser to lobby group Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action, said that several “influential” members of Donald Trump’s family share Kennedy’s belief that vaccines are more dangerous than the virus. Also read: 7 times Peter Navarro proved his ex-aide, who called him an a**hole, right Susan Monarez caught in power struggle The situation escalated when Susan Monarez, who had been sworn in as acting CDC director only a month earlier, was abruptly removed by the White House. Monarez, however, rejected the decision. Through her lawyers, she insisted she had not resigned and argued that only the president could dismiss her. “As a presidential appointee, Senate-confirmed officer, only the president himself can fire her,” her legal team said. They accused Kennedy of “weaponising public health for political gain” and “putting millions of American lives at risk.” Also read: 'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war Wave of resignations follows Within hours of Monarez’s ousting, at least four senior CDC leaders also resigned. They included Dr Debra Houry, Dr Demetre Daskalakis, Dr Daniel Jernigan, and Dr Jen Layden. In his resignation letter, Daskalakis accused Kennedy of pushing “unscientific” policies. They warned, “Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.” He added that the CDC was being used as “a tool” to promote policies that “do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health.” Also read: 'We don't support tariffs on India': Australia Trade Minister Don Farrell Houry said misinformation and the overstating of vaccine risks had already cost lives, citing the highest number of US measles cases in 30 years and even a violent attack on CDC headquarters earlier this month. Watch: SCO Explained: Origin, founding members, expansion & global influence https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-explained-origin-founding-members-expansion-global-influence-1756377853304/embed Daskalakis linked the shooting to years of vaccine scepticism, blaming Kennedy and his allies for fuelling hostility. He said he was resigning to honour his grandfather, who had fought fascism in Greece, and to protest against “the cowardice of a leader that cannot admit that HIS and his minions’ words… created an environment where violence like this can occur.”

Several senior CDC officials resigned after clashing with Health Secretary RFK Jr, warning his politicised public health stance and potential COVID vaccine withdrawal could endanger vulnerable lives and fuel anti-vaccine sentiment.

'Make America Healthy Again' in danger? Top CDC officials resign, warn RFK Jr.'s public health policies 'will result in death and disability'

The US administration is set to halt projects aimed at developing vaccines that fight respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and the flu. These projects are worth $500 million, and the Trump administration is looking to pull funding for these projects.&nbsp;The Department of Health and Human Services will soon be cancelling contracts and pulling funding, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced. The vaccines that were under development were using mRNA technology.&nbsp;WATCH | Ex‑DOGE staffer mugged in Washington DC; Trump and Musk demand federal control<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-doge-staffer-mugged-in-washington-dc-trump-and-musk-demand-federal-control-1754479761987/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-doge-staffer-mugged-in-washington-dc-trump-and-musk-demand-federal-control-1754479761987/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The US HHS stated that it would terminate 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines as it questioned the safety of a technology credited with helping end the COVID-19 pandemic and saving millions of lives.&nbsp;“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate," Kennedy said, criticising mRNA vaccines.&nbsp;However, certain late-stage projects were excluded from the move “to preserve prior taxpayer investment”.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-develop-common-vaccine-for-covid-19-flu-and-common-cold-8891565">Also read: Scientists develop common vaccine for COVID-19, flu and common cold</a><h2>How will it affect?</h2>RFK Jr has been a major critic of the mRNA vaccines. While, experts believe that they are safe and helped in minimising the spread of coronavirus in the year 2020. According to infectious disease experts, without mRNA vaccines, future pandemics would be more difficult to stop.&nbsp;"I don’t think I’ve seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business,” said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations, according to Associated Press.&nbsp;Not just infectious diseases, the mRNA vaccines were also being used for researching cancer immunotherapies. Earlier this year, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison praised the vaccines for being able to treat cancer.

The Department of Health and Human Services will soon be cancelling contracts and pulling funding, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced. The vaccines that were under development were using mRNA technology.

The US administration is set to halt projects aimed at developing vaccines that fight respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and the flu. These projects are worth $500 million, and the Trump administration is looking to pull funding for these projects. The Department of Health and Human Services will soon be cancelling contracts and pulling funding, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced. The vaccines that were under development were using mRNA technology. WATCH | Ex‑DOGE staffer mugged in Washington DC; Trump and Musk demand federal control https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-doge-staffer-mugged-in-washington-dc-trump-and-musk-demand-federal-control-1754479761987/embed The US HHS stated that it would terminate 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines as it questioned the safety of a technology credited with helping end the COVID-19 pandemic and saving millions of lives. “To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate," Kennedy said, criticising mRNA vaccines. However, certain late-stage projects were excluded from the move “to preserve prior taxpayer investment”. Also read: Scientists develop common vaccine for COVID-19, flu and common cold How will it affect? RFK Jr has been a major critic of the mRNA vaccines. While, experts believe that they are safe and helped in minimising the spread of coronavirus in the year 2020. According to infectious disease experts, without mRNA vaccines, future pandemics would be more difficult to stop. "I don’t think I’ve seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business,” said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations, according to Associated Press. Not just infectious diseases, the mRNA vaccines were also being used for researching cancer immunotherapies. Earlier this year, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison praised the vaccines for being able to treat cancer.

The Department of Health and Human Services will soon be cancelling contracts and pulling funding, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced. The vaccines that were under development were using mRNA technology.

'Dangerous decision': Trump administration to halt $500 million vaccine development projects - Here's how it can affect Americans

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the United States, made a weird suggestion back in March that bird flu should be allowed to run rampant in chickens and the infected birds should not be culled. However, this strange idea can trigger another pandemic, a study has warned. Kennedy and Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, proposed that letting bird flu "rip" through poultry would help "identify the birds, and preserve the birds, that are immune to it." The H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic and doing so can prove highly dangerous. The research was published in the journal Science on July 3. Kennedy made the spooky suggestion on March 11 while talking to Fox News.<h2>Disease X: Can bird flu trigger the next pandemic?</h2>The paper has been compiled by a group of virologists, veterinarians and health security experts. The team argues that what Kennedy wants to do could trigger another pandemic in the coming years. They state that if the virus is allowed to run unabated, it could mutate, become stronger and even spill over to humans. This would be the perfect recipe for the next pandemic. Scientists have long raised concerns about Disease X, another pandemic that could take over the world. While there has not been clarity on what it would be, experts argue that bird flu has the makings of a pandemic if it continues to spread and grow. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-orupouche-virus-that-infected-23-000-people-in-2023-can-it-be-the-next-big-epidemic-1751441881111">What is Orupouche virus that infected 23,000 people in 2023?</a>&nbsp;Live Science quoted first-author Erin Sorrell, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, as saying, "Essentially, the longer you allow a virus that has shown to be effective in infecting multiple hosts survive in an environment, the greater the chance you give it to spread, to mutate, and to try its luck at adaptation." She added that in the worst-case scenario, "the virus adapts and expands its host range to become transmissible in humans … Now we have a pandemic." According to current regulations on bird flu, farmers need to cull the infected birds to contain the spread of the disease, for which the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) compensates them. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-deaths-from-animal-to-human-diseases-to-multiply-12-times-by-2050-study-655198">Human deaths from animal-to-human diseases to multiply 12 times by 2050: Study</a>&nbsp;<h2>Kennedy wanted to observe infected ostriches on Canadian farm</h2>Experts have been left concerned after Kennedy's suggestion. The HHS secretary and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had also asked the owners of a Canadian ostrich farm where bird flu was detected to observe them to gather "significant scientific knowledge" about the birds. Notably, H5N1 bird flu was detected in 398 ostriches of the farm in December 2024 and January this year. In a letter written to the head of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and posted on X by Kennedy, he wrote that the ostriches may have already acquired some "downstream immunity" to the virus. Oz even offered to relocate the birds to his Florida ranch.&nbsp;Sorrell does not agree with this method, and said, "Poultry infected with H5 shed a tremendous amount of virus. If effective controls designed to mitigate the quantity of viral shedding and known transmission pathways are removed, the exposure risk for other animals and humans on site and on neighbouring farms will increase, and the opportunity for H5 to evolve to be a more effective poultry pathogen increases."

Bird flu should be allowed to run through chicken and other poultry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the US  Secretary of Health and Human Services, said. But this weird method can cause another pandemic, experts have warned.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the United States, made a weird suggestion back in March that bird flu should be allowed to run rampant in chickens and the infected birds should not be culled. However, this strange idea can trigger another pandemic, a study has warned. Kennedy and Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, proposed that letting bird flu "rip" through poultry would help "identify the birds, and preserve the birds, that are immune to it." The H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic and doing so can prove highly dangerous. The research was published in the journal Science on July 3. Kennedy made the spooky suggestion on March 11 while talking to Fox News. Disease X: Can bird flu trigger the next pandemic? The paper has been compiled by a group of virologists, veterinarians and health security experts. The team argues that what Kennedy wants to do could trigger another pandemic in the coming years. They state that if the virus is allowed to run unabated, it could mutate, become stronger and even spill over to humans. This would be the perfect recipe for the next pandemic. Scientists have long raised concerns about Disease X, another pandemic that could take over the world. While there has not been clarity on what it would be, experts argue that bird flu has the makings of a pandemic if it continues to spread and grow. Also Read: What is Orupouche virus that infected 23,000 people in 2023? Live Science quoted first-author Erin Sorrell, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, as saying, "Essentially, the longer you allow a virus that has shown to be effective in infecting multiple hosts survive in an environment, the greater the chance you give it to spread, to mutate, and to try its luck at adaptation." She added that in the worst-case scenario, "the virus adapts and expands its host range to become transmissible in humans … Now we have a pandemic." According to current regulations on bird flu, farmers need to cull the infected birds to contain the spread of the disease, for which the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) compensates them. Also Read: Human deaths from animal-to-human diseases to multiply 12 times by 2050: Study Kennedy wanted to observe infected ostriches on Canadian farm Experts have been left concerned after Kennedy's suggestion. The HHS secretary and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had also asked the owners of a Canadian ostrich farm where bird flu was detected to observe them to gather "significant scientific knowledge" about the birds. Notably, H5N1 bird flu was detected in 398 ostriches of the farm in December 2024 and January this year. In a letter written to the head of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and posted on X by Kennedy, he wrote that the ostriches may have already acquired some "downstream immunity" to the virus. Oz even offered to relocate the birds to his Florida ranch. Sorrell does not agree with this method, and said, "Poultry infected with H5 shed a tremendous amount of virus. If effective controls designed to mitigate the quantity of viral shedding and known transmission pathways are removed, the exposure risk for other animals and humans on site and on neighbouring farms will increase, and the opportunity for H5 to evolve to be a more effective poultry pathogen increases."

Bird flu should be allowed to run through chicken and other poultry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the US &nbsp;Secretary of Health and Human Services, said. But this weird method can cause another pandemic, experts have warned.

RFK Jr's freaky 'let bird flu rip' suggestion could trigger another pandemic. Here's what he said

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as President Donald Trump&rsquo;s health secretary on Thursday (Feb 13) after a close Senate vote of 52-48. No Democrats backed him. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy.
The former presidential candidate has been appointed to oversee major health agencies, managing a massive budget of over $1 trillion and a workforce of around 80,000 employees.&nbsp;
However, this decision has raised concerns among lawmakers from both parties, who have criticized the candidate's history of making unsubstantiated health claims and expressing scepticism about vaccines.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Kennedy&rsquo;s role in Trump&rsquo;s administration</h2>
The Senate is working around the clock, pulling late nights and early mornings, to confirm the president's remaining cabinet nominees. In a recent breakthrough, Brooke Rollins was confirmed as the head of the Department of Agriculture with a decisive 72-28 vote.
Kennedy, who had his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, is the second controversial cabinet pick to be confirmed this week after Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as director of National Intelligence in a narrow Senate vote.
He will now oversee agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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Kennedy Jr. has also been tasked with overseeing the US health industry, encompassing crucial areas such as food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health, and vaccinations. Interestingly, Kennedy had initially thrown his hat into the ring as an independent presidential candidate in 2024 but later withdrew and pledged his support to Donald Trump.
<h2 dir="ltr">Controversy surrounds Kennedy's stance on vaccines</h2>
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., founder of Children's Health Defense, has been at the centre of controversy for casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations. His organisation has also made claims linking vaccines to autism, which have been widely discredited.&nbsp;
Kennedy denies being anti-vaccination, citing that his children are immunised.
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Kennedy claims to support more rigorous studies and safety tests for injections, but his past statements suggest otherwise. In a podcast interview, he stated that "no vaccine" is safe and effective. He later denied making such a statement.
Some Republicans have praised Kennedy for his criticism of the use of food additives and push to curb big pharma.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumes the role of Trump's health secretary following a tight Senate vote, marking a significant moment in US political dynamics.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as President Donald Trump’s health secretary on Thursday (Feb 13) after a close Senate vote of 52-48. No Democrats backed him. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy. The former presidential candidate has been appointed to oversee major health agencies, managing a massive budget of over $1 trillion and a workforce of around 80,000 employees. However, this decision has raised concerns among lawmakers from both parties, who have criticized the candidate's history of making unsubstantiated health claims and expressing scepticism about vaccines. Also read | US wants to become No 1 oil and gas supplier to India. Who tops the list currently? Kennedy’s role in Trump’s administration The Senate is working around the clock, pulling late nights and early mornings, to confirm the president's remaining cabinet nominees. In a recent breakthrough, Brooke Rollins was confirmed as the head of the Department of Agriculture with a decisive 72-28 vote. Kennedy, who had his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, is the second controversial cabinet pick to be confirmed this week after Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as director of National Intelligence in a narrow Senate vote. He will now oversee agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Also read | WATCH: Humpback whale swallows 24-year-old kayaker in a heart-stopping video Kennedy Jr. has also been tasked with overseeing the US health industry, encompassing crucial areas such as food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health, and vaccinations. Interestingly, Kennedy had initially thrown his hat into the ring as an independent presidential candidate in 2024 but later withdrew and pledged his support to Donald Trump. Controversy surrounds Kennedy's stance on vaccines Robert F. Kennedy Jr., founder of Children's Health Defense, has been at the centre of controversy for casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations. His organisation has also made claims linking vaccines to autism, which have been widely discredited. Kennedy denies being anti-vaccination, citing that his children are immunised. Also read | Morning news brief: PM Modi meets Trump, addresses deportation; US to give India F-35 jets, and more Kennedy claims to support more rigorous studies and safety tests for injections, but his past statements suggest otherwise. In a podcast interview, he stated that "no vaccine" is safe and effective. He later denied making such a statement. Some Republicans have praised Kennedy for his criticism of the use of food additives and push to curb big pharma. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief

The Senate Finance Committee voted on Tuesday (4 February) to move forward with President Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee for US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 
The committee, which consists of 27 members&mdash;14 Republicans and 13 Democrats&mdash;saw all Republican members backing Kennedy&rsquo;s nomination, while Democrats opposed it unanimously.
The decision means Kennedy&rsquo;s nomination will now proceed to a full Senate vote.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hints-at-leash-on-elon-musk-as-doge-ramps-up-government-purge-8690491" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t do anything without our approval&rsquo;: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge</a>
Ahead of the committee&rsquo;s decision, President Trump expressed his support for Kennedy on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote, "20 years ago, Autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT&rsquo;S 1 in 34. WOW! Something&rsquo;s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT."
During the proceedings, leading Democrat Senator Ron Wyden voiced his strong opposition, stating: "Mr. Kennedy has given us no reason to believe he will be anything other than a rubber stamp for plans to cut Medicaid and rip health care away from the American people, and be a yes man if ordered by Musk or Trump to take an illegal action."
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia also criticised Kennedy, calling him &ldquo;manifestly unqualified&rdquo; and saying, &ldquo;I simply do not trust him to oversee the CDC. He&rsquo;s unqualified and I say everybody here knows it.&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-wants-ukraine-to-repay-us-aid-with-rare-earths-what-are-rare-earth-elements-8689845" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them?</a>
While Republican senators have largely stood together behind Trump&rsquo;s Cabinet selections, Kennedy&rsquo;s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services has been one of the most contentious yet. His long history of promoting conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric has raised doubts over whether he will secure enough support in the final Senate vote, despite Trump&rsquo;s endorsement.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ahead of the committee’s decision, US President Donald Trump expressed his support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The Senate Finance Committee voted on Tuesday (4 February) to move forward with President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The committee, which consists of 27 members—14 Republicans and 13 Democrats—saw all Republican members backing Kennedy’s nomination, while Democrats opposed it unanimously. The decision means Kennedy’s nomination will now proceed to a full Senate vote. Also read: ‘Can’t do anything without our approval’: Trump hints at leash on Musk as DOGE ramps up govt purge Ahead of the committee’s decision, President Trump expressed his support for Kennedy on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote, "20 years ago, Autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT." During the proceedings, leading Democrat Senator Ron Wyden voiced his strong opposition, stating: "Mr. Kennedy has given us no reason to believe he will be anything other than a rubber stamp for plans to cut Medicaid and rip health care away from the American people, and be a yes man if ordered by Musk or Trump to take an illegal action." Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia also criticised Kennedy, calling him “manifestly unqualified” and saying, “I simply do not trust him to oversee the CDC. He’s unqualified and I say everybody here knows it.” Also read: Trump wants Ukraine to repay US aid with 'rare earths': What are they and why does he want them? While Republican senators have largely stood together behind Trump’s Cabinet selections, Kennedy’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services has been one of the most contentious yet. His long history of promoting conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine rhetoric has raised doubts over whether he will secure enough support in the final Senate vote, despite Trump’s endorsement. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's Health Secretary pick RFK Jr. clears key Senate committee vote; Democrats call him ‘unqualified’

The US Senate kicked off the confirmation hearing for Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Wednesday (29 January).
If confirmed, the 71-year-old environmental lawyer, who is known for his controversial stance on vaccines, will be responsible for overseeing the country&rsquo;s vast $1.8 trillion healthcare system.
Trump's top health official pick, Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one."
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He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation and is committed to "restoring the American dream", and making America healthy again (MAHA). 
"This movement... is one of the most powerful and transcendent I&rsquo;ve ever seen," he added.
&ldquo;News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,&rdquo; Kennedy said.
The hearing began with opening statements during which Republican Senator Mike Crapo praised the health secretary nominee's accessibility, saying that he's demonstrated "strong commitment" to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.
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Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden accused RFK Jr. of having "embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans" in his time "particularly over vaccines". He accused RFK Jr. of caring more about "chasing money and influence" than protecting the lives of children and vulnerable people.
<h2>Democratic Senator Mike Crapo asks RFK Jr four obligatory questions:&nbsp;</h2>
"Are you aware of any conflicts of interest?" Kennedy replied, "No."
Is there any reason which would prevent you from discharging your duties? Kennedy replied, "No."
Will you respond to any reasonable summons? Kennedy replied, "Yes."
Will you provide a prompt response to questions addressed to you? Kennedy replied, "Yes."
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RFK Jr's cousin, Caroline Kennedy, strongly criticised his nomination in a letter to senators obtained by The Washington Post. She accused him of hypocrisy, writing that he was a &ldquo;predator&rdquo; who had privately vaccinated his&nbsp;own children while publicly encouraging vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chairman of the health committee, also expressed reservations about Kennedy&rsquo;s views. As a physician, Cassidy said he had engaged in &ldquo;a frank conversation&rdquo; with Kennedy earlier in the month, specifically discussing vaccine policies. However, he remained undecided about whether to support Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee.
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;m still working through it,&rdquo; Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. &ldquo;I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide&nbsp;my&nbsp;decision.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump's top health official pick Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one." He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation.

The US Senate kicked off the confirmation hearing for Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Wednesday (29 January). If confirmed, the 71-year-old environmental lawyer, who is known for his controversial stance on vaccines, will be responsible for overseeing the country’s vast $1.8 trillion healthcare system. Trump's top health official pick, Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one." Also read: Hamas claims delay in aid delivery to Gaza; Israel denies, calls it 'fake news' He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation and is committed to "restoring the American dream", and making America healthy again (MAHA). "This movement... is one of the most powerful and transcendent I’ve ever seen," he added. “News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” Kennedy said. The hearing began with opening statements during which Republican Senator Mike Crapo praised the health secretary nominee's accessibility, saying that he's demonstrated "strong commitment" to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role. Also read: Israel confirms receiving list of three Gaza hostages to be freed on Jan 30 Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden accused RFK Jr. of having "embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans" in his time "particularly over vaccines". He accused RFK Jr. of caring more about "chasing money and influence" than protecting the lives of children and vulnerable people. Democratic Senator Mike Crapo asks RFK Jr four obligatory questions: "Are you aware of any conflicts of interest?" Kennedy replied, "No." Is there any reason which would prevent you from discharging your duties? Kennedy replied, "No." Will you respond to any reasonable summons? Kennedy replied, "Yes." Will you provide a prompt response to questions addressed to you? Kennedy replied, "Yes." Also read: What federal workers should know about Trump's ‘deferred resignation’ offer for govt employees? RFK Jr's cousin, Caroline Kennedy, strongly criticised his nomination in a letter to senators obtained by The Washington Post. She accused him of hypocrisy, writing that he was a “predator” who had privately vaccinated his own children while publicly encouraging vaccine hesitancy among parents. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chairman of the health committee, also expressed reservations about Kennedy’s views. As a physician, Cassidy said he had engaged in “a frank conversation” with Kennedy earlier in the month, specifically discussing vaccine policies. However, he remained undecided about whether to support Donald Trump’s nominee. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts “I’m still working through it,” Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. “I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.” (With inputs from agencies)

RFK Jr denies being ‘anti-vaccine’ in Senate confirmation hearing for Trump’s health czar

United States President-elect Donald Trump announced yet another controversial appointment, naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Calling it the "most important role of any Administration", Trump said that Kennedy will help "Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

"The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country," Trump said in a post on X.&nbsp;

"Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!"

Notably, Kennedy is one of the most prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists in the country. He has often made unverified statements and spread false conspiracy theories about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.&nbsp;

Kennedy issued a statement Thursday, accepting the role and committing to making Americans the "healthiest people on Earth". He vowed to remove “corruption” from the department and help the people of America to make individual health decisions.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-know-the-game-he-was-playing-nikki-haley-reacts-to-trumps-post-election-snub-776302">‘I know the game he was playing,’ Nikki Haley reacts to Trump’s post-election snub</a>

“I look forward to working with the more than 80,000 employees at HHS to free the agencies from the smothering cloud of corporate capture so they can pursue their mission to make Americans once again the healthiest people on Earth,” Kennedy said.&nbsp;

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<h2>Trump speaks at&nbsp;Mar-a-Lago</h2>

Later on Thursday night, Trump made an appearance at an event at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. This was his first extended public appearance since being chosen as President-elect. Talking about RFK Jr's appointment, he said, "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health."

"Mr Kennedy will restore these Agencies [Health and Human Services] to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!"

Kenndey Jr belongs to one of the most known Democractic families in the US. He is the son of US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy and nephew of President John F Kennedy. Both of them died after being assassinated in the 1960s.

United States President-elect Donald Trump announced yet another controversial appointment, naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

United States President-elect Donald Trump announced yet another controversial appointment, naming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Calling it the "most important role of any Administration", Trump said that Kennedy will help "Make America Great and Healthy Again!” "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country," Trump said in a post on X. "Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!" Notably, Kennedy is one of the most prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists in the country. He has often made unverified statements and spread false conspiracy theories about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Kennedy issued a statement Thursday, accepting the role and committing to making Americans the "healthiest people on Earth". He vowed to remove “corruption” from the department and help the people of America to make individual health decisions. Also Read: ‘I know the game he was playing,’ Nikki Haley reacts to Trump’s post-election snub “I look forward to working with the more than 80,000 employees at HHS to free the agencies from the smothering cloud of corporate capture so they can pursue their mission to make Americans once again the healthiest people on Earth,” Kennedy said. × Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago Later on Thursday night, Trump made an appearance at an event at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. This was his first extended public appearance since being chosen as President-elect. Talking about RFK Jr's appointment, he said, "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health." "Mr Kennedy will restore these Agencies [Health and Human Services] to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!" Kenndey Jr belongs to one of the most known Democractic families in the US. He is the son of US Attorney General Robert F Kennedy and nephew of President John F Kennedy. Both of them died after being assassinated in the 1960s.

Donald Trump names vaccine sceptic RFK Jr as Health and Human Services secretary

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, during his interview with Joe Rogan&nbsp;on Friday (Oct 25), said that he is completely committed to bringing Robert F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr, into his administration if he wins the United States presidential election on November 5 and returns&nbsp;to the White House.

Trump sat for a three-hour interview in Austin, Texas on Friday, which was then published to Rogan's social media channels.&nbsp;

Robert F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr&nbsp;was the former independent presidential nominee, who later suspended his bid and endorsed the former US president.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-open-up-jfk-martin-luther-king-jr-assassination-files-if-gets-elected-770922">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says he will open up JFK, Martin Luther King Jr assassination files if elected</a>

The podcaster asked the former president whether he was "completely committed" to bringing Kennedy Jr, into his administration.

"Oh, I completely am," Trump responded. "But the only thing I want to be a little careful about with him is the environmental. Because he doesn't like oil, I love oil and gas."

Trump added that he would like Kennedy to "focus on health, do whatever you want."

Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Makes Fries At McDonald's In Pennsylvania | WION Originals

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He said that he had been pressured not to work with Kennedy Jr, citing "big Pharma" as one of the examples.&nbsp;

Kennedy Jr has been involved in spreading scepticism about vaccines, rejecting the overwhelming consensus among scientists that the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the rare risk of side effects.

He further claimed pharmaceutical companies conspire to prevent health improvements because they make so much money selling drugs to people with chronic illnesses.

<h2>'Taiwan' in limelight</h2>

Trump also&nbsp;slammed Taiwan, which has been aligned with the US for a long time.&nbsp;

Trump said, "You know, Taiwan, they stole our chip business. OK. They want us to protect and they want protection. They don't pay us money for the protection, you know? The mob makes you pay money, right?"

He further called Chinese President Xi Jinping "a brilliant guy, whether you like it or not."

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, during his interview with Joe Rogan on Friday (Oct 25), said that he is completely committed to bringing Robert F Kennedy Jr, into his administration if he wins the United States presidential election on November 5 and returns to the White House.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, during his interview with Joe Rogan on Friday (Oct 25), said that he is completely committed to bringing Robert F Kennedy Jr, into his administration if he wins the United States presidential election on November 5 and returns to the White House. Trump sat for a three-hour interview in Austin, Texas on Friday, which was then published to Rogan's social media channels. Robert F Kennedy Jr was the former independent presidential nominee, who later suspended his bid and endorsed the former US president. Also read: Trump says he will open up JFK, Martin Luther King Jr assassination files if elected The podcaster asked the former president whether he was "completely committed" to bringing Kennedy Jr, into his administration. "Oh, I completely am," Trump responded. "But the only thing I want to be a little careful about with him is the environmental. Because he doesn't like oil, I love oil and gas." Trump added that he would like Kennedy to "focus on health, do whatever you want." Watch | US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Makes Fries At McDonald's In Pennsylvania | WION Originals × He said that he had been pressured not to work with Kennedy Jr, citing "big Pharma" as one of the examples. Kennedy Jr has been involved in spreading scepticism about vaccines, rejecting the overwhelming consensus among scientists that the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the rare risk of side effects. He further claimed pharmaceutical companies conspire to prevent health improvements because they make so much money selling drugs to people with chronic illnesses. 'Taiwan' in limelight Trump also slammed Taiwan, which has been aligned with the US for a long time. Trump said, "You know, Taiwan, they stole our chip business. OK. They want us to protect and they want protection. They don't pay us money for the protection, you know? The mob makes you pay money, right?" He further called Chinese President Xi Jinping "a brilliant guy, whether you like it or not." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 'completely committed' to bring Robert F Kennedy Jr to his administration if returns to White House

American politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr has allegedly bragged about having intimate photographs of reporter Olivia Nuzzi amid their sexting affair, US media reported on Sunday (Sept 22).

American politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr has allegedly bragged about having intimate photographs of reporter Olivia Nuzzi amid their sexting affair, US media reported on Sunday (Sept 22). Kennedy Jr, 70, boasted to his friends that Nuzzi had sent him intimate photos was what led the scandal to explode. A report by The Daily Beast on Sunday said that Kennedy Jr's bragging reached the ears of the 31-year-old New York magazine correspondent’s boss David Haskell—who confronted her over the photos. Kennedy Jr has been married thrice and has six children. Nuzzi repeatedly denied affair According to The Daily Beast report, Nuzzi repeatedly denied an affair to Haskell but eventually told the truth. The 31-year-old was suspended from the New York magazine and was being probed over her journalistic ethics by an outside party. Also read | Did RFK Jr cut off dead whale's head? Environmental group calls for investigation A report by Puck News during the weekend said that Nuzzi had allegedly sent “demure” nudes of herself to RFK Jr during their sexting affair. Haskell confronted Nuzzi about the affair during an evening meeting at the magazine’s downtown Manhattan offices on September 13. The meeting was just limited to the two. Haskell told Nuzzi that he had been informed that Kennedy had bragged about his relationship with Nuzzi to others, including possessing photographs of her, and that they were in a romantic relationship. The woman denied but when her boss gave her the option to admit the truth, she confirmed the relationship. Kennedy's denial After the news of the sexting affair broke out, Kennedy forcefully denied ever meeting Nuzzi socially. A spokesperson for Kennedy told CNN that the 70-year-old only met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece. However, sources told the Daily Beast that the politician and the journalist met multiple times. The sources pointed out that these meetings included public functions, and their (Kennedy and Nuzzi) relationship was never physical. (With inputs from agencies)

RFK Jr allegedly bragged about having intimate photos of US journalist: Reports

Former president Donald Trump has expanded his transition team by enlisting the support of former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard and broadening his coalition of supporters "across partisan lines."&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1761}">Restoring America's greatness</h2>

Trump&nbsp;campaign senior adviser, Brian Hughes, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, and said that both Kennedy and Gabbard will bring "powerful voices" to their mission of "restoring America’s greatness."

In a conversation with Fox News, Hughes said, "As President Trump’s broad coalition of supporters and endorsers expands across partisan lines, we are proud that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have been added to the Trump/Vance Transition team."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:605,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1906}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-tulsi-gabbard-joins-donalds-trump-campaign-who-is-she-753837">US presidential election: Tulsi Gabbard joins Donald Trump's campaign. Who is she?</a>

"We look forward to having their powerful voices on the team as we work to restore America’s greatness," he added.&nbsp;

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a Democratic presidential candidate, made a surprising move last week by suspending his Independent campaign and endorsing Trump. He also&nbsp;took to social media to promote "Make America Great Again".

Kennedy wrote that MAGA "recalls a nation brimming with vitality, with a can-do spirit, with hope and a belief in itself. It was an America that was beginning to confront its darker shadows, could acknowledge the injustice in its past and present, yet at the same time could celebrate its successes".

"It was a nation of broad prosperity, the world's most vibrant middle class, and a [sic] idealistic belief (though not consistently applied) in freedom, justice, and democracy. It was a nation that led the world in innovation, productivity, and technology. And it was the healthiest country in the world. I have talked to many Trump supporters. I have talked with his inner circle. I have talked to the man himself. This is the America they want to restore."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-rescue-52-year-old-hostage-from-hamas-grim-tunnels-eight-live-hostage-rescue-since-oct-7-753780">Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:484,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2177}">Tulsi Gabbard</h2>

Similarly, Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has also voiced her support for Trump.

"I am proud to stand here before you today, whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent," she said.

"If you love our country, as I do, if you cherish peace and freedom as we do, I invite you to join me in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people."

Gabbard previously ran in the 2019 Democratic presidential primary against Kamala Harris. She has also been recruited to assist Trump in preparing for his upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former president Donald Trump has expanded his transition team by enlisting the support of former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard and broadening his coalition of supporters "across partisan lines.

Former president Donald Trump has expanded his transition team by enlisting the support of former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard and broadening his coalition of supporters "across partisan lines." Restoring America's greatness Trump campaign senior adviser, Brian Hughes, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, and said that both Kennedy and Gabbard will bring "powerful voices" to their mission of "restoring America’s greatness." In a conversation with Fox News, Hughes said, "As President Trump’s broad coalition of supporters and endorsers expands across partisan lines, we are proud that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have been added to the Trump/Vance Transition team." Also read | US presidential election: Tulsi Gabbard joins Donald Trump's campaign. Who is she? "We look forward to having their powerful voices on the team as we work to restore America’s greatness," he added. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a Democratic presidential candidate, made a surprising move last week by suspending his Independent campaign and endorsing Trump. He also took to social media to promote "Make America Great Again". Kennedy wrote that MAGA "recalls a nation brimming with vitality, with a can-do spirit, with hope and a belief in itself. It was an America that was beginning to confront its darker shadows, could acknowledge the injustice in its past and present, yet at the same time could celebrate its successes". "It was a nation of broad prosperity, the world's most vibrant middle class, and a [sic] idealistic belief (though not consistently applied) in freedom, justice, and democracy. It was a nation that led the world in innovation, productivity, and technology. And it was the healthiest country in the world. I have talked to many Trump supporters. I have talked with his inner circle. I have talked to the man himself. This is the America they want to restore." Also read | Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7 Tulsi Gabbard Similarly, Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has also voiced her support for Trump. "I am proud to stand here before you today, whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent," she said. "If you love our country, as I do, if you cherish peace and freedom as we do, I invite you to join me in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people." Gabbard previously ran in the 2019 Democratic presidential primary against Kamala Harris. She has also been recruited to assist Trump in preparing for his upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump expands team with unexpected allies Kennedy and Gabbard as he eyes White House return

Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to attack Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate running a long shot presidential campaign. "RFK Jr. is a Democrat 'Plant,' a Radical Left Liberal who's been put in place in order to help Crooked Joe Biden," Trump alleged in his post.

US: Trump attacks independent candidate RFK Jr, says 'vote for Junior would be wasted protest vote'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a candidate for the presidential elections in the United States (US), has suffered a major jolt. Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden at a Philadelphia campaign event.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a candidate for the presidential elections in the United States (US), has suffered a major jolt. Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden at a Philadelphia campaign event. Kennedy, 70, son of the slain US senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, made his name as an environmental lawyer, before becoming known as an anti-vaccine advocate with an eclectic mix of political views. Many in Kennedy Jr's family have broken with him over his views. A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed that the 70-year-old, running as an independent candidate in the elections, was backed by 15 per cent of the registered voters, versus 39 per cent for Biden and 38 per cent for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. 'A vote for Biden is a vote for democracy' Kennedy Jr's sister Kerry was part of Biden's Philadelphia campaign event on Thursday. Addressing the event, Kerry said, "A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for our democracy and our decency." Also read | Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck Kerry said that Biden was the first sitting president in American history who travelled to an active war zone, "not under US control, not once, but twice, to show support for our allies. He was always running into the flames, so we don't have to." "That is why we are so happy today to pledge our unwavering support to President Joe Biden and President Kamala Harris. God bless all of you. God bless America and please welcome President Joe Biden," she added and called Trump the most anti-democratic president ever. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Biden's campaign aides said that Kennedy family members were expected to join local volunteers in door-knocking and phone-banking on Biden's behalf. 'Pleased my family is politically active' Meanwhile, in a post on X, Kennedy Jr said that he heard some of his family members were endorsing Biden. Also watch | Residents of Joe Biden's hometown are unhappy × "I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other. I hold this as a possibility for America too," he said. I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other. I hold this as a possibility for America too. Can we disagree without… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) April 18, 2024 × "Can we disagree without hating our opponents? Can we restore civility and respect to public discourse? I think we can," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major jolt to Robert F. Kennedy Jr as 15 members of his family endorse Biden for US presidential polls

US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted that he flew on disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's infamous private jet twice, whilst adding that his then-wife had a relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell.

US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted that he flew on disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's infamous private jet twice, whilst adding that his then-wife had a relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell. In an interview with Jesse Watters on Fox News, Kennedy made the revelation about his Epstein connection, one that could potentially have a significant impact on his presidential campaign. “I was on Jeffrey Epstein’s jet two times. I was on it in 1993 and I was on it in — and I went to Florida with my wife and two children to visit my mom over Easter,” he said, “My wife had some kind of relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, and they offered us a ride to Palm Beach,” said Kennedy, whose late ex-wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy died by suicide in 2012. Speaking about the second incident when he chauffeured Epstein's plane, Kennedy revealed: "I went then, and on another occasion I flew again with my family with, I think, four of my children and Mary, my wife, to Rapid City, South Dakota, to go fossil hunting for a weekend." He claimed that he had been "very open" about his relationship with Epstein and that he took the jet in 1993, almost 30 years before Epstein's crimes came out in the open. Kennedy, who is running as an independent in the presidential race, having quit the Democratic primary bid party earlier this year, said he wanted real information regarding Epstein to come out in the public domain. “I agree with you that all of this information should be released, and we should get real answers on what happened to Jeffrey Epstein and any of the high-level political people that he was involved with, all of that should be open to the public, ” Kennedy said. “It should absolutely be transparent, and I don’t see why any of those records would have any redactions in them,” he said. “Why would we be hiding that from the American public?” Notably, this is not the first instance when Epstein has been linked to the Kennedy's. The criminal was once a guest at the high-profile wedding of former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Kerry Kennedy. WATCH | Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein What did Epstein do? Epstein was accused of sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida between 2002 and 2005. However, the majority of his sexual exploits took place on the 72-acre Little St. James Island which he purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016 and brought his victims there using the private jet. Also read | JPMorgan settles Epstein sex trafficking lawsuit with US Virgin Islands, to pay $75million After Epstein's alleged suicide, Maxwell was arrested in the United States and charged with sex trafficking minors for him on July 2, 2020. After a very public trial where Maxwell became the face of Epstein's sex-fuelled empire, she was handed a 20-year prison sentence by a court in New York in June, earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admits he flew on Epstein's 'infamous' jet twice & wife had 'relationship' with Maxwell

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a major security scare during an event with the Hispanic community in Los Angeles. The armed man tried to go near&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during the event in California where the presidential hopeful was present to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.&nbsp;

In a post on X social media platform, Robert F. Kennedy Jr wrote, "I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight."&nbsp;

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I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight. The man, wearing two shoulder… <a href="https://t.co/vvJc0Gtk4o">pic.twitter.com/vvJc0Gtk4o</a>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1702901035243823354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He further disclosed that the man was "wearing two shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines and was carrying a US Marshal badge on a lanyard and belt-clip federal ID."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-aid-groups-warn-of-disease-risk-as-country-struggles-to-recover-from-flood-636487">Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood</a>

The man identified himself as a member of the security detail of the Democratic presidential hopeful, as per the post.&nbsp;

"Armed GDBA team members moved quickly to isolate and detain the man until LAPD arrived to make the arrest. I’m also grateful to LAPD for its rapid response," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said while adding, "I’m still entertaining a hope that President Biden will allow me Secret Service protection. I am the first presidential candidate in history to whom the White House has denied a request for protection."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-to-south-to-change-rules-of-game-g77china-urges-for-new-global-order-at-cuba-summit-636568">'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit</a>

The police arrested the unidentified man. Media reports said that the man may face charges of impersonating a police officer or federal agent, in addition to the alleged unlawful possession of firearms.

<h2>Kennedy's family history</h2>

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of John F. Kennedy and the son of Robert F. Kennedy. His family suffered at the hands of tragic assassinations in the past. Born in 1954, he was only at the age of nine when his uncle was assassinated in 1963.

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BREAKING VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suffers assassination scare — Armed man posing as U.S. Marshal arrested at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. event at Wilshire Ebell Theatre <a href="https://t.co/cWqlFYJIx1">pic.twitter.com/cWqlFYJIx1</a>
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheInsiderPaper/status/1703032863648530461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Moreover, in a second such incident in the family history, his father was assassinated in 1968 when Robert Kennedy Jr. was 14 years old. Kennedy is a lawyer and environmental activist, just like his father.&nbsp;

<h2>Kennedy's controversial COVID-19 comments</h2>

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously found himself at the centre of a controversy that erupted due to his comments on COVID-19. He faced allegations of racism and anti-Semitism when he said that "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese."&nbsp;

WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue

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"I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the US and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews," he had posted.&nbsp;

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Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a major security scare during an event with the Hispanic community in Los Angeles. The armed man tried to go near Robert F.

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a major security scare during an event with the Hispanic community in Los Angeles. The armed man tried to go near Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during the event in California where the presidential hopeful was present to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In a post on X social media platform, Robert F. Kennedy Jr wrote, "I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight." I’m very grateful that alert and fast-acting protectors from Gavin de Becker and Associates (GDBA) spotted and detained an armed man who attempted to approach me at my Hispanic Heritage speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles tonight. The man, wearing two shoulder… pic.twitter.com/vvJc0Gtk4o — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 16, 2023 × He further disclosed that the man was "wearing two shoulder holsters with loaded pistols and spare ammunition magazines and was carrying a US Marshal badge on a lanyard and belt-clip federal ID." Also Read | Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood The man identified himself as a member of the security detail of the Democratic presidential hopeful, as per the post. "Armed GDBA team members moved quickly to isolate and detain the man until LAPD arrived to make the arrest. I’m also grateful to LAPD for its rapid response," Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said while adding, "I’m still entertaining a hope that President Biden will allow me Secret Service protection. I am the first presidential candidate in history to whom the White House has denied a request for protection." Also Read | 'Up to South to change rules of game': G77+China urges for new global order at Cuba Summit The police arrested the unidentified man. Media reports said that the man may face charges of impersonating a police officer or federal agent, in addition to the alleged unlawful possession of firearms. Kennedy's family history Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the nephew of John F. Kennedy and the son of Robert F. Kennedy. His family suffered at the hands of tragic assassinations in the past. Born in 1954, he was only at the age of nine when his uncle was assassinated in 1963. BREAKING VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suffers assassination scare — Armed man posing as U.S. Marshal arrested at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. event at Wilshire Ebell Theatre pic.twitter.com/cWqlFYJIx1 — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 16, 2023 × Moreover, in a second such incident in the family history, his father was assassinated in 1968 when Robert Kennedy Jr. was 14 years old. Kennedy is a lawyer and environmental activist, just like his father. Kennedy's controversial COVID-19 comments Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously found himself at the centre of a controversy that erupted due to his comments on COVID-19. He faced allegations of racism and anti-Semitism when he said that "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese." WATCH | Libya: Death toll mounts, search ops continue × "I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the US and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews," he had posted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | Major security scare at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign rally, armed man arrested

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the nephew of Former US President John F. Kennedy, has decided to run for presidency in the 2024 elections. Will this be the return of the Kennedy Dynasty?

Gravitas | JFK'S nephew launches presidential bid

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